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Robert Copeland
1938 - 2017
Robert Copeland
1938 - 2017
Obituary
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Robert Copeland Obituary
A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, November 17, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 1:30 PM at New World United Methodist Church, Arlington, Texas. An interment will occur at Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers are Don Gardner, Rick Baker, Max Burkhead, Chidi Obi, Mark Pease, Steve Carr, Stuart Shipley, Steve Musser, Royce Coatney, Jack Watkins, Bill Snodgrass, Jerry Longwell, Randy Ferraris, Dave Henning, Ray Lichtenwalter, Craig McCracken, Jim Hall, Rod Rooker, Don Dixon and Mike Walter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Copeland family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rusty Redden
July 9, 2020
He taught me to play drums. Really like Mr. Copeland! - Rusty Redden Lamar Class of 80.
Chris Askew
October 3, 2019
My deepest regrets in just now learning of Bob's passing--as it was far too soon. Even though I spent but one school year in his LHS band (73-74), I feel that he was the one educator whom I most often thought of after graduating in '74. Bob was always outgoing, cheerful, entertaining, and a very effective director who inspired his students to excel. He and Ron Koen were quite a team then--and the resulting band was something that I remember quite fondly. His example even affected the way that my own children enjoyed their own successful band experiences (both at MHS). I have nothing but the warmest memories of a man who had such a positive effect on so many young people. He will be missed.
David Mays
June 24, 2018
I remember Mr. Copeland as a true professional, a lover of great music, and a desire to have the best band in Texas, and I believe we did. He taught me how to play tuba in 1968 at Nichols Jr. High.
His standards were high and he expected us to meet them, and for that I salute him. When I played tuba at Arlington High School, he joined Mr. Cory as assistant band director. I was very glad to have access once again to his teaching, his great advice, and again his determination to always be the best. He was a very inspiring man. I was thrilled when I read of his induction into the Texas hall of band directors. No one ever deserved it more than Bob Copeland. One of the finest Christian men I ever met.
MICHEAL CARROLL
January 30, 2018
BEING A MEMBER OF THE VIKING MARCHING BAND WAS A TRUE JOY AND A GREAT HONOR BECAUSE OF A LEADER AND DIRECTOR LIKE MR. COPELAND I'LL NEVER FORGET ALL THE MEMORIES AND HARD WORK WE WERE PUT THROUGH TO MAKE HIS BAND PROGRAM THE BEST THANK YOU MR. COPELAND FOR GIVING ME A TRULY HONORABLE WORK ETHIC
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Sabrina Quintana
December 21, 2017
I will never forget how thrilled I was when Bob hired me for my first music teaching position in Arlington I.S.D.! I showed up at his office with my resume, determined not to leave till he interviewed me. I waited about an hour and he interviewed me and hired me right away. He was patient, positive, and supportive of me as a young teacher. He, and the excellent cadre of teachers he hired, were wonderful mentors. Now, I follow in his footsteps, as an inspired Fine Arts Director. He will be dearly missed and his legacy continues.
Sabrina Quintana, D.M.A.
William Jackson
November 26, 2017
Mr. Copeland taught me how to read music and was the first person who taught me how to play a clarinet. He made sure i stayed competitive and practiced hard. Have never had a teacher as focused and caring.
November 22, 2017
Being a l957 Sunset graduate, I am sad to learn of Robert's passing. May each special memory shine in your heart and bring you peace. Blessings, Ann Willers Ouzts
Jim Van Zandt
November 18, 2017
So many memories of Bob as a mentor and friend to me over the last 40+ years! He had the ability to give great advice, and sometimes "redirection" on how to be a better band director, but he did it with a smile in his eyes. He and Anita had a profound impact on thousands of colleagues and students, and they will be missed.
Randy Ferraris
November 17, 2017
Cara, i am so sorry about your dad. He was one of the best cousins i could ever know. He is back with your mom now and all the angels. I loved him and your mom alot. They are truly missed by all who knew them. My tboughts and prayers are with you.
Dee Benton
November 17, 2017
I was hired by Bob as his secretary his last year with Arlington ISD. Bob worked diligently to advance the Fine Arts programs during his time as Director of Fine Art and long after he left the district. Bob was one of the kindest men that I have known and was always interested in the lives of the people he knew. I will miss his great smile and his wonderful sense of humor. I have fond memories of special times with Bob and Anita. He devoted so much of his life to the advancement of Music and he will be greatly missed. To Cara, Robby, and the family, my deepest condolences. May you find peace in special memories of both your Mom and Dad.
Teresa Francis
November 17, 2017
Bob believed in me and I am thankful. From the New York Teresa Francis
Dewey Warner
November 16, 2017
Best music arranger I ever knew. Wish I had known enough about music at the time to have realized that when I was in band under him.
He will be missed and remembered.
Dewey Warner
Carla Koonce
November 16, 2017
So sorry to hear of the loss of Bob ......I played in Community Band while he was director and served on the Board.... I remember playing Christmas concerts and for the Forth of July Parades.....so much fun......
His family is in my thoughts and prayers....
Carla Kooncce
Kim Hassell Ono
November 16, 2017
It is with a tear and a smile that I write these thoughts about you, Mr. Copeland. As I picture you up in heaven, free from pain and worry, I recall wonderful times in the LHS band. You directed all the young musicians, teenagers- yep, in peppy Sousa marches out on the hot pavement of the parking lot. Get your head out!! Do it again! In concert season, you guided us through noble passages of music like "The Gates of Kiev". How grand you made us feel! How grown up, in our formal clothes during the spring concert. I will always treasure the time I spent in your bands at LHS.
Scott Vernon
November 15, 2017
Dear Copeland Family- I just was AWFUL on the flute... really.. very very bad.. but, during my divorce, Mr. Copeland invited me to join the Arlington Community band, and that was a GREAT diversion for me and my Dad.. My father, Keith Vernon..just loved the concerts..... when I was at TCU ... I had many contacts with him and his bands... and somehow...he remembered me...anyway.. what a sad day for your family and for Arlington, Texas.. and for Music Education ......Please, God... Bless his contributions to this earth!!!!!!!! Scott Vernon, Cleburne, Texas..(ps... my parents are buried there as well, and, in time... you will come to love that place) What a wonderful life....
Mark Huddleston
November 15, 2017
I can still remember one specific band practice. It was a hot summer evening and Mr. Copeland was standing on top of the tower in the parking lot next to Mr. Musser. He spoke into his portable p.a. speaker (which never left his side) and zeroed in on me "Huddleston, what are you hitting that base drum with, a hammer?" I was using wooden mallets and I thought no one would notice. I also remember the time he was shooting rubber bands at anyone who dared enter his office to talk to him or Mr. Musser. He was not only a great man, he was also fun to be around. My heart is broken tonight. God Bless You and Your Family.
Peter Ponce
November 15, 2017
Bob had moved on from Lamar HS before I got there, but I got to know him through the Arlington Community Band, the UTA Band Alumni Association, and UIL Region 5 events. What a fantastic influence he's had on so many people through the ASC/UTA Band, the Lamar Viking Band, AISD Fine Arts, and the band-directing world in general. I always admired his easy-going manner and sense of humor. Prayers for his family.
NJH 1974
Scott Williams
November 14, 2017
At the end of 9th grade I decided to quit band and not audition for the Lamar Band. Mr. Copeland set up a surprise meeting with me at Nichols, bragged about my playing and encouraged me to tryout. Without ever practicing, I site read the audition music in front of him and bam! I played and marched the next three years at Lamar. Thanks Mr. C. May God bless you and your family.
William Ken Ellis
November 14, 2017
Its a sad day for the family members of Mr. Copeland. He was a fantastic Junior High Band teacher for me and all the other students in the sixties. He taught me well to play the cornet. I will never forget him and many thanks to him, Mr. Copeland, for all you have done over the years after I moved on to Arlington High School under the direction of Mr. Dean Corey. May god use you in Heaven to train all the band members there now. And may God bless Mr. Copeland's family.
Patrick Daugherty
November 14, 2017
Mr. Copeland was a great influence on many young lives, including mine. I had the privilege of learning leadership and musicianship from him. He certainly left his mark on this world. Prayers for his family.
Laura Grant
November 14, 2017
I send my heartfelt condolences to Bob's family. He was a Father figure to me and a great mentor. My time in his Bands will never be forgotten and were a huge part of my life all through High School. I loved and respected him so much. Truly he has touched so many lives.
Cathy Besyner
November 14, 2017
I remember my interview with Bob. It seemed to go on forever, because I was so nervous. Then he asked me how I would say the counting for a ratamacue! Bob always had time to visit and made you feel like you were important to him. He was encouraging and jovial and will be sorely missed.
Cindy Bausell
November 13, 2017
I was in one of his first bands at Nichols Junior High. Sorry to hear of his passing!
Lisa (Pounds) Spencer
November 13, 2017
What a great band director. He will be missed.
Jan Schronk
November 13, 2017
Loved Bob. Cherish his giggle, his joy of music, and his advice.
Alice Clark Bennett
November 13, 2017
I send my love to Cara and Robbie in the loss of their father. You will be hearing how much he has meant to so many people, including me. He has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. May God comfort you through these next hours and days.
November 13, 2017
God speed Bob! Thank you for the incredible memories of playing under you at LHS!
Harriett Koen
November 13, 2017
To Bob's family:
(Cara, Rob, Chidi, Ricky, Alex, Zoe, and Sophia)
It is an emotional week as we await the eternal home-going of Bob Copeland. Bob touched so many hundreds of lives and always managed to make each person feel loved unconditionally. Thank you, Bob, for the teachings, the music, the laughter and legacy you left us all with. What a lasting impact you've left us with. Thank you, my friend. I am so grateful you didn't have to suffer. You are truly heaven's gain , but our deep loss. Love always, Harriett
Susan McMillen
November 13, 2017
No matter how old I become, you will always be Mr. Copeland to me. I respected and looked up to you so much during my High Schools days - 1971-1975 - "Class of 75." Band was my life and you guided "your kids" though a time of maturity that could easily have have been hard, but you made it easy (at least from my perspective). Thank you very much for the great memories. You will forever have my respect and love. God Bless you and Anita. You will be missed. Susan Odom McMillen
Cara Obi
November 13, 2017
Words cannot explain how much I miss you Dad. I love you so much. The lessons you taught me have shaped the person I have become. God blessed me when he chose you to be my Father. I know you are in Heaven with Mom and Charis watching over us. Directing God's Angels in a Sousa march. We will never forget you.
Karol Tidwell
November 12, 2017
You are already missed so much!
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1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012
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